Official announcements from the California Coastal Commission or SpaceX

California Commission Votes 6-to-4 to Reject SpaceX's Plan for More Launches from Vandenberg

Oct 12, 2024, 09:08 AM

The California Coastal Commission has voted 6-to-4 against approving an increase in SpaceX rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The decision, which is non-binding, was influenced by concerns over CEO Elon Musk's political involvement, his comments on social media, his attacks on FEMA, and the labor practices at his companies. The proposal aimed to increase the number of Falcon 9 launches from 36 to 50 per year and included plans for more Starlink satellite launches. Commissioner Gretchen Newsom criticized Musk's political rhetoric, describing it as 'disturbing.' This decision marks a significant regulatory challenge for SpaceX, which has been seeking to expand its launch capabilities in California.